by Chidi, age 9, asks why Christmas is celebrated, about the Niger River, and Nigeria’s diversity
Dear Santa,
Hello from Lagos. My name is Chidi and I am 9 years old. Christmas here is loud and joyful, with music playing from every corner, new clothes for church, and so many relatives arriving that our house seems to grow extra rooms just for the occasion.
My first question is: why is Christmas celebrated at all?
My second question is geography: what is the longest river in Nigeria?
My third question is from school: why does Nigeria have so many different languages and ethnic groups?
I left you jollof rice, which I am told you have never tried before, so this is a big moment.
Love, Chidi, age 9, Lagos, Nigeria
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Chidi, that jollof rice was a genuine discovery, and I may have to request it every year from now on. Now, to your very good questions.
Why is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas is celebrated because it marks the birth of Jesus, an event of great importance to the Christian faith that Christmas grew out of. Over time, as it spread across the world, it also became something wider, a season when people of many backgrounds pause to be with family, to give generously, and to hope for peace and goodwill. That is really why your house grows extra rooms every December, because Christmas has always been about gathering people closer together.
What is the longest river in Nigeria?
The longest river in Nigeria is the Niger River, which actually gave the country its name. It flows for thousands of kilometres across West Africa before reaching Nigeria and spreading out into a wide, marshy delta as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has supported farming, fishing, and trade for peoples along its banks for many centuries.
Why does Nigeria have so many different languages and ethnic groups?
Nigeria is home to more than two hundred and fifty different ethnic groups, each with its own language, history, and customs, making it one of the most diverse countries on Earth. This happened because many different peoples settled across the region over thousands of years, forming their own kingdoms and communities long before Nigeria became a single country. Today that diversity is a source of great pride, giving Nigeria an extraordinary richness of music, food, and celebration, which I suspect explains why your Christmas is quite so loud and lovely.
Save me a plate for next year, and I shall see you on the joyful night.
Ho ho ho, Santa
